Appalachian Health Summit to address Lifestyle Change
Local organization attracts nationally recognized health experts
Athens, Ohio – Residents of Appalachia suffer significantly higher rates of chronic disease than the national average, and one organization is trying to make a difference. Live Healthy Appalachia, an Athens-based non-profit, is working to reverse these trends.
The centerpiece of LHA’s efforts is the "Appalachian Health Summit," a two-day keystone event in Athens County that includes a diverse set of workshops. The conference session on Friday will address specifically health professionals and community leaders. The conference will feature nationally known speakers including Dr. James Prochaska, author if Changing For Good and one of the top 5 most cited authors in psychology, and Dr. Micheal Roizen, developer of the Real Age online tool and co-author of the YOU series of books with TV health guru Dr. Mehmet Oz. Local experts from Ohio University will also present on effective strategies that improve health in Appalachian Ohio. Continuing education credit will be offered for certain professionals.
The Summit will also feature a free community event, the Healthy Living Workshop, on Saturday, September 29. Dr. Prochaska will be addressing attendees at this event along with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, author of Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease and star of the acclaimed documentary Forks Over Knives, and Chef AJ, a celebrity chef who will demonstrate healthy and delicious recipes. The event will conclude with an expo featuring healthy food samples, free activities, Zumba and yoga demos, and a book signing with the authors. Kid-friendly activities will be held throughout the day.
The purpose of the Health Summit is to address poor health which is often a product of unhealthy lifestyles. “We are excited to be able to provide this opportunity for learning and growth again,” said Louise DiLullo, Director of Live Healthy Appalachia, “After the first summit we were amazed at the community’s response. We consider this year’s event a call to action for leaders and individuals.” Major sponsors of the event include Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions, and Ohio Health.
Live Healthy Appalachia, founded in 2010, additionally offers classroom-based nutrition and cooking education programming in Athens County called Food is Elementary, a national program, and lifestyle change classes for adults through CHIP (the Complete Health Improvement Program). Recently, the CHIP program has worked with LHA to develop a national training center for program facilitators in Athens, Ohio.
“We hope to make a difference through the Health Summit and programs that we plan to expand on regionally,” said Thomas Kostohryz, founder and president of Live Healthy Appalachia, “Through partnerships with the community and at Ohio University we can act at the local level and by extension impact an entire region. The Summit is a great way to celebrate and expand on the progress being made here in Athens County.”
More information about the Summit and LHA can be found at www.livehealthyappalachia.org Deadline for registering for the Summit is September 21st. You can also learn more about the health problems in Appalachia and county health rankings by visiting http://www.ohio.edu/compass/stories/09-10/4/health-study-812.cfm and http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/ohio/outcomes-components-ranking
About Live Healthy Appalachia:
Live Healthy Appalachia (LHA), formed in 2010, is an Athens, Ohio based nonprofit organization to promote health and wellbeing in Appalachia through education, outreach, and advocacy emphasizing nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Our programs include evidence-based health programming in local schools, evidence-based health programming for adults, professional development opportunities, and volunteer-driven community health projects. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, we build upon the unique assets of Appalachia to reverse negative trends in health. Our events, programs, and partnerships aim to educate, inspire and empower individuals to lead healthier lives.